May 2026: Hot Costco Items You Can't Miss

Call us crazy, but we actually look forward to Costco runs. It's not just an errand; it's an experience — and not just because the Costco food court hot dogs are still so cheap. If you've seen our monthly lists of the best new Costco items (like the entry for April 2026), you know that our favorite warehouse retailer keeps its inventory fresh and updates the "treasure hunt" fun of it all by cycling out old products and replacing them with new ones all the time. Oh, sure, your favorites will (probably) always be there, but you also have the promise of exciting, updated SKUs to peruse as you wander the aisles. 

As we roll into May, Costco is no slouch when it comes to new products we want to check out. From MRE pouches to donuts to an icemaker that's making us spin out in appliance envy, we can hardly wait to explore the month's rollout of fresh finds. Remember that pricing and availability are subject to change. Check with your local Costco before making a dedicated trip. As always, have fun on your shopping ... and grab a rotisserie chicken for us! 

MREs (meals ready to eat) aren't just a source of pizza that lasts for years ... they are a legitimate resource for campers and anyone else without easy access to a kitchen. This bucket contains 28 servings of food that require only hot water to heat up — except for the ice cream snacks — and are guaranteed to taste good for 30 years. We think that's pretty darn cool. 

Purchase Mountain House Family Faves Emergency Food Bucket for $119.99. 

There's a difference in the caffeine content of Diet Coke and regular Coke, but many argue that both taste better when "crispy," or served on ice. Every one of your summertime pool parties will be refreshing with this countertop ice maker that can produce 33 pounds of the stuff each day, and in much-beloved nugget form, too. All you need is a pack of Solo cups and some bottles o' fizz and sugar.

Purchase the Frigidaire Gallery Crunch Countertop Nugget Ice Maker for $149.99.

We've covered what puts the "old-fashioned" in a donut. Well, these are old-fashioned donut bites with a lemony citrus kick. We predict that the whole family will probably fall in love with these oh-so snackable donut holes. With just over two pounds in a package, there should be plenty for everyone to share ... though you might want to grab a second one for when everyone comes back for Round Two! 

Purchase Gen Bake Old Fashioned Lemon Donut Bites for $9.49. 

Have a tiny kitchen or need another burner on your stove that simply doesn't exist? You're going to love this five-mode hot plate that can help you cook right on your counter or tabletop. Use it as a fryer, a saucepan, or a hot pot ... we can definitely see this versatile beauty starring in your next dinner party! You can cook just about anything from spaghetti to oatmeal to an easy four-ingredient potato soup in this aesthetically pleasing device.

Purchase the Our Place Induction Plate and Perfect Pot with Hot Grips for $149.99. 

While you're working out the essential math on resting times for your barbecue, you need something to keep the little ones busy and not underfoot. Nothing — nothing! — does the job as cheaply and effectively as freezer pops. For one low price, you get a 50-pack featuring six flavors of Freezies. Just stick 'em in the freezer and deploy when your kids (or you, honestly) need a jolt of something chilly and sweet. 

Purchase the Kisko Giant Freezies Variety Pack for $11.99. 

Whether you utilize the old-school British way of washing dishes or any other method you like, you need a dishrack that can effectively store your dinnerware while keeping things tidy and clean. This dishrack by simplehuman is bougie, no doubt about it. But while it may seem strange to splurge on such a pedestrian item, try to imagine the convenience you will enjoy every time you have a safe place to stick a knife without it falling over.

Purchase the simplehuman Steel Frame Dishrack with Knife Block for $69.99. 

No matter what else you pack in your lunch bag, Oreo cookies are a great, sweet addition to sandwiches, bento boxes, and Thermos canteens of soup. This big box gives you 40 packs of two cookies apiece, split between Double Stuf and Reese's peanut butter varieties. Parents will also appreciate how easily these slip into a bag for on-the-go snacking. 

Purchase the Oreo Reese's and Double Stuf Variety Pack for $16.99.